Noted actress and casting director renowned for her work on Broadway and in film, particularly for her role as the principal casting director for the film "Godfather: Part II".
Joanna Merlin, born JoAnn Delores Ratner, is an American actress and casting director celebrated for her iconic roles in theater and television, including the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof and her recurring role as Judge Lena Petrovsky on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Merlin's love affair with acting began at a tender age of 11 when she joined a community theater production of Too Many Marys. Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Toni Merlin and Harry Ratner, a Jewish grocer, Merlin's family moved to Los Angeles when she was 15. She attended UCLA, but did not graduate, opting instead to study under the renowned Michael Chekhov, learning his world-renowned acting technique.
Merlin's career in the entertainment industry spanned over six decades, with her first screen appearance in Cecil B. DeMille's film The Ten Commandments in 1956. Five years later, she made her Broadway debut in Becket, followed by her breakout role as Tzeitel in Harold Prince's production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Merlin's transition to casting direction was facilitated by Harold Prince, who offered her a more flexible schedule, allowing her to balance her acting career with raising her two small children. She went on to cast numerous productions, including Company, Follies, Evita, and Sweeney Todd.
In addition to her stage work, Merlin appeared on television shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, where she played Judge Lena Petrovsky for over a decade. Her film credits include Big Trouble, for which she served as casting director in 1986.
Throughout her illustrious career, Merlin shared her expertise with aspiring actors, teaching at New York University's graduate acting program. She also authored two acting guides, imparting her knowledge and experience to future generations of performers.
Joanna Merlin's remarkable body of work, her contributions to the world of theater and television, and her dedication to nurturing talent have cemented her place as a legend in the entertainment industry.
Joanna Merlin's remarkable life, marked by her boundless passion for the performing arts, serves as a testament to her enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
Born in 1924
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